Beetle-Experience

scottbot84 - do you need some pupation substrate? I don't have any posted on the site but should be able to get you set up

I didn't find anything last time, but I had a few of the times before.

Last time I went down to Rio Rico it didn't feel the same. There were border patrol agents parked around.. I looked for just a little while and left.

I had done research on importing Scarabaeinae (Dung Beetles) with several emails and calls to APHIS/FWS and USDA Veterinary Services, and as I mentioned earlier, all Scarabaeinae are ok to import (with FWS license) as long as they are not from a country with a history of "Hand, foot, and mouth disease". This came from the head of USDA Veterinary Services and the head entomologist at APHIS/PPQ. Any dung beetle native to the US is free to move about without permits. Anything else that doesn't come from the list of countries with "hoof and mouth" and is imported under FWS is free to move after it

I am/was hoping to find more literature and breeding reports on things like Argyrophegges, Fornasinius and Hegemus to try to help my case for also allowing these species in the U.S. I have talked to a few breeders but need more concrete evidence. I have also been searching for a reputable source for some of the South American Scarabaeinae.. there is a whole bunch of interesting species like Phanaeus lancifer ! Most of the people I have found deal in heavily in Lepidoptera.

Maybe send me a message or email (info@beetle-experience.com). Are you keeping things alive or is everything being preserved? In central and northern LA we have scorpions, tarantulas, centipedes, leaf-cutter ants, large beetles... The large aquatics in south LA: Giant Water Bugs: Lethocerus uhleri and Benacus griseus Predaceous Diving Beetles: Cybister fimbriolatus Giant Water Scavenger Beetles: Hydrophilus triangularis ..plus: Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers Steven

Where in Louisiana? There are some nice spots in central LA, unless you are looking for aquatics or lubbers then you would need to come further south.

Also, that one is a female

Some of the exotic coleopteral exceptions include: Scarabaeinae (Dung Beetles, as long as they are not from a country with a history of "Hand, foot, and mouth disease") insectivorous beetles like Carabidae (Ground Beetles, Tiger Beetles) and the three aforementioned species of Goliathus. Actually JKim, one Scarabaeidae that much of the U.S. is having trouble with is Popillia japonica - "Japanese Beetles", they have not made it to Louisiana yet.

Correct: "..if they were captive bred in the US they are still illegal " - I hear people try to use this line to sell/own exotics. ..but not ALL exotics are illegal

Primož, Home Depot has composted sphagnum moss as well as organic soils that might work better. The best would be if you were able to use rotten wood for almost all of your substrate, then mix in just a small amount of soil if needed as a filler.

Yes, Mantisfan101 is correct - would need a USDA/APHIS permit and, depending on what you have, a inspected and permitted containment facility. The person who sold these to you would need the same thing.

Could also freeze it

It may have been part of that same import

Not yet, working on some ideas that might have a better shot